Choose Joy

I have a perfume called I am Happy. I like the scent. When I spray it on it does make me happy. Do you think it’s possible for us to always be happy? It’s not. Happiness is based on circumstances. Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble.” (John 16:33) I know we’ve all found that to be true. Especially with all the trouble in the world as of lately. Just like my momentary mist of perfume our happiness is always fleeting. Our circumstances won’t continually be good. So, why then would the bible tell us in 1 Thessalonians 5:16 to, “Be joyful always.” This is because joy is so much more than happiness.

Years ago, I was talking with a group of woman about prayer. I had just got done saying that, “We need to be praying in the Spirit.” Then the host, in an attempt to move the conversation in a new direction said, “Well, we can’t always pray in the Spirit.” I stayed quiet but have always thought about that moment. Tonight I read that we need to, “Pray in the Spirit on all occasions.” (Ephesians 6:18) Have you received the incredible gift of being born again and having the Holy Spirit live within you? If so, then you must, “Keep in step with the Spirit.” (Galatians 5:25) That means praying and walking in the Spirit of God. One of many awesome attributes of doing this is joy. If you’re always in step, you will always be joyful. Luke said that Jesus was, “Full of joy, through the Holy Spirit.” (Luke 10:21) Let’s imitate Jesus. I definitely want to be full of joy. Don’t you? Regardless of our circumstances - let’s choose joy!